Episode 539 (M 28-12-87 "Active Imaginations") Written by Alan
McDonald - Sammy is left in charge when Frank and Chrissy go out to celebrate
New Year, but her idea of fun isn't exactly safe. Terry plans a romantic New
Year, but the best-laid plans.......

Episode 540 (T 29-12-87 "New Year, New Start") Written by Alan
McDonald - Jonathan is not amused to find his room occupied when he returns
home. Bobby makes a resolution, but has he left it too late? Frank and Chrissy
solve the mystery of the Lone Ranger.

Episode 541 (M 04-01-88 "The Gift Of Life") Written by Peter
Cox - Laura's life-support machine is turned off. Ralph finds out that Harry
is going to be on the panel interviewing him for membership of the Commonwealth
and Empire Club.

Episode 542 (T 05-01-88 "Pertinent Questions") Written by Peter
Cox - Bobby resents Sheila's studying. Jonathan has to face the inquest into
Laura's death, and decides to lie in order to prevent her parents from discovering
the truth.

Episode 543 (M 11-01-88 "Ways And Means") Written by Susan Pleat
- Paul feels that Chris has overstayed his welcome. Terry and Annabelle are
surprised by the way Jonathan is behaving following Laura's cremation.

Episode 544 (T 12-01-88 "Moral Judgements") Written by Valerie
Windsor - Jonathan invites Terry to go on a holiday with him. Growler is driving
everyone up the wall. Annabelle has an embarrassing experience involving a
man in a rusty old car. Harry's economy drive backfires.

Episode 545 (M 18-01-88 "Contraflow") Written by Jim Hitchmough
- Terry tests the power and effectiveness of Jonathan's cordless telephone,
and invites Sue round to help him fill in his taxi licence application form.
Gordon is jealous that Chris is getting a free trip to St Moritz.

Episode 546 (T 19-01-88 "Rearranging") Written by Jim Hitchmough
- Annabelle receives a letter from Mona asking for help. Frank's chances of
getting a new job take a turn for the worse. Gordon feels that Paul will never
understand him.

Episode 547 (M 25-01-88 "Paperwork") Written by Kathleen Potter
- Bobby thinks he has done a good turn, but Sheila doesn't react in the way
he expects. Paul is surprised to find that Annabelle is willing to give Terry
a reference. Growler and Bumper accidentally cause some people's plans to
go up in smoke.

Episode 548 (T 26-01-88 "Hoping For.......") Written by Kathleen
Potter - Annabelle is disappointed with Paul's attitude to the new neighbours,
and he fails to prevent her from giving Terry another reference. Bobby can't
seem to put a foot right with Sheila. Sue wants to keep her business and private
life seperate.

Episode 549 (M 01-02-88 "I'm Keeping It") Written by Peter Cox
- Paul's mug is broken, so he doesn't let Gordon watch "The Magic Rabbits".
Chrissy receives a letter from the school about Sammy's coat. Brian comes
to Annabelle's aid when her car breaks down. Growler and Bumper retaliate
when their football is confiscated.

Episode 550 (T 02-02-88 "Someone To Blame") Written by Peter
Cox - Billy is on the spot when Tracy wants to know all about Doreen and his
involvement in crime. When Jamie needs money, he finds a surprisingly easy
way of earning it on the Close. A household loses two of its members.

Episode 551 (M 08-02-88 "Sorry, Sorry, Sorry") Written by John
Oakden - Bobby appears in court on the drink-driving charge, and is fined
£150. He and Barry go for a drink together, and forget to bring something
home....... Annabelle receives another strange letter from her mother.

Episode 552 (T 09-02-88 "School Rules") Written by John Oakden
- Chrissy confronts Sammy's headmistress, and is determined to make Frank's
company keep to their word. The Corkhills' becomes a haven for waifs and strays.

Episode 553 (M 15-02-88 "Venison") Written by Andy Lynch - Gordon
makes an unexpected return to the Close - in an ambulance. Jamie is a victim
of Rod's dedication to his police work, and when Jimmy is left to handle the
food supply at number 10, it's best not to question where it came from.

Episode 554 (T 16-02-88 "Pancakes") Written by Andy Lynch -
All of a sudden, both Paul and Annabelle are keen to visit Mona. Harry realises
that he has to take action now that there is a vacant committee post.

Episode 556 (T 23-02-88 "Our Grandchild") Written by Barry Woodward
- Mr McGrath brings news about Debbie to the Grants, and ends up being thrown
out of the house. Chris is amused to find Gordon looking like something out
of "Doctor Who". Mona turns up late at night, claiming that she
is being beaten at the home.

Episode 557 (M 29-02-88 "Elected") Written by Allan Swift -
Harry employs below-the-belt tactics in his bid to be elected to the committee
after his sponsor realises he has been conned. Jamie tries to convince Billy
to allow him to move in indefinitely.

Episode 558 (T 01-03-88 "Speechless") Written by Allan Swift
- There is an unexpected setback for Harry during his inaugural anti-women
speech at the Commonwealth and Empire Club. Mona is in a bad way. Jimmy has
an ingenious solution to the Corkhills' overcrowding problem.

Episode 559 (M 07-03-88 "Knocking Through") Written by Jimmy
McGovern - Bobby has bad news for Sheila. Ralph decides to build a model of
the Close. Jamie is woken up by the sound of holes being drilled all around
him.

Episode 560 (T 08-03-88 "Lives Wasted") Written by Jimmy McGovern
- Bobby throws some hurtful allegations at Sheila, and they both seek solace
in their own way. Terry makes a rash decision when he hears of Sue's resignation.
Tracy and Jamie move out.

Episode 561 (M 14-03-88 "Commonwealth Day") Written by Helen
J. Wilson - Ralph's entertainment for Commonwealth Day at the Commonwealth
and Empire Club doesn't quite fit the bill, but there's somebody around to
save the day.

Episode 562 (T 15-03-88 "Kidnapped") Written by Helen J. Wilson
- Betty has an issue that she wants Harry to bring up at his first committee
meeting. Terry is dubious about Barry's latest proposition. Chris and Gordon
kidnap Mona.

Episode 563 (M 21-03-88 "Convinced") Written by Valerie Windsor,
Peter Cox - Terry makes a friend on holiday, while Jonathan finds it harder
to cope. Paul receives unexpected assistance in his investigation of the care
home. Billy discovers that Tracy has gone to London.

Episode 564 (T 22-03-88 "Out Of Order") Written by Peter Cox,
Valerie Windsor - Billy finds Jimmy's stolen loot. Jonathan feels that his
spirits are too low for a holiday. Terry takes his chances on the piste. Harry
and Ralph try to raise the possibility of admitting women at the committee
meeting.

Episode 565 (M 28-03-88 "Living With Guilt") Written by Peter
Cox, Valerie Windsor - Barry is caught in the act, and Sheila tears a strip
off Billy. Terry finds that ice-skating is just as difficult as skiing, and
while he and Donna watch a dancing display, Jonathan and Cheryl play backgammon.
Jamie comes back from London without Tracy.

Episode 566 (T 29-03-88 "Old Mates") Written by Valerie Windsor,
Peter Cox - Rod goes to London to search for Tracy. Donna drops a bombshell.
Billy wonders whether his children would prefer to be with their mother. There's
a surprise awaiting Kathy when she goes out looking for a fight.

Episode 567 (M 04-04-88 "Pull The Other One") Written by Allan
Swift - The trail for Tracy goes dead for Rod and Jamie. Billy discovers he
can't even count on Jimmy to be dishonest. Chrissy wonders where Growler got
his football.

Episode 568 (T 05-04-88 "Holiday Friendships") Written by Allan
Swift - Rod returns from London, but his news isn't good. Bobby receives a
tip-off about the effects of automation. Sue's nose is out of joint when she
finds out how popular Terry is with the ladies.

Episode 569 (M 11-04-88 "Sights") Written by Susan Pleat - Barry
and Sinbad show Cheryl and Donna the sights of Liverpool. Tracy returns from
London, and Billy is all set to have a go at her. Frank gets a shock when
he discovers he has lost something.

Episode 570 (T 12-04-88 "Held") Written by Susan Pleat - Following
the theft of Frank's articulated lorry, he is interrogated by the police and
his home is thoroughly searched. Growler fears that the stolen football will
be found.

Episode 571 (M 18-04-88 "Costing") Written by Kathleen Potter
- Frank's story is not believed, Sheila seeks spiritual guidance, Bobby agrees
to contribute his wages to the strike fund, and Barry receives a tip-off about
his trees. Tracy tries to persuade Kathy to stay even though Jimmy has dumped
her to go back to his wife.

Episode 572 (T 19-04-88 "Someone To Talk To") Written by Kathleen
Potter - Bobby has a big decision to make as a strike seems possible at a
factory. Sheila visits a marriage guidance counsellor.

Episode 573 (M 25-04-88 "Serious Misconduct") Written by Andy
Lynch - Things look bad for Frank as he faces a discliplinary hearing. There
are revelations in the post for Bobby, an awkward customer for Sinbad, and
an unexpected question for Sue.......about wallpaper.

Episode 574 (T 26-04-88 "Expert Opinion") Written by Andy Lynch
- Both Bobby and Sheila realise that they have been somewhat economical with
the truth. Terry delegates the choice of Jonathan's wallpaper to Sue, and
the decorating itself to Sinbad.......

Episode 575 (M 02-05-88 "Clubbing It") Written by Jimmy McGovern
- Kathy doesn't make Jimmy welcome when he returns to the Close, and she and
Sheila decide to go out to a nightclub. When Tracy isn't available, Billy
has to look after Claire.

Episode 576 (T 03-05-88 "Sexual Chemistry") Written by Jimmy
McGovern - Sheila and Kathy's night out has an unpleasant ending, and Paul
also gets a shock.

Episode 577 (M 09-05-88 "Retaliation") Written by Allan Swift
- Barry replaces the broken glass in Billy's door, then Bobby smashes it again.
Paul wants to confront Gordon and Chris, but he has forgotten that it is Annabelle's
birthday.

Episode 578 (T 10-05-88 "Rain Forest") Written by Allan Swift
- Gordon and Chris consider buying a home together, and Chris has an idea
about where the deposit might come from. Jonathan tries to find out who planted
a rain forest in his back garden.

Episode 579 (M 16-05-88 "Absenteeism") Written by John Oakden
- Barry offers financial help to his parents, but Sheila wonders where he
is getting the money from. Tracy is behaving very mysteriously. Harry is annoyed
to discover than Ralph has disposed of two of his gnomes.

Episode 580 (T 17-05-88 "No Splits") Written by John Oakden
- There's a crisis in the factory, and Bobby is nowhere to be found, so Sheila
has to cover up. Gordon and Chris receive a letter from the building society.
Barry finds he must do some more community s-s-s-service.

Episode 581 (M 23-05-88 "Serious Words") Written by Kathleen
Potter - Harry's gnomes are disappearing again. Bobby's whereabouts are still
a mystery to George. Jonathan's boss has a few stern words with him.

Episode 582 (T 24-05-88 "Surprising Answers") Written by Kathleen
Potter - Paul is in a panic over Mona and her money. Jonathan needs to find
a missing paragraph. Harry catches the gnome-napper red-handed.

Episode 583 (M 30-05-88 "Get Them Down") Written by David Angus
- The Grants' house goes up for sale. The Collins' glass door is the next
to be smashed to pieces, and Jamie is caught with his trousers down.

Episode 584 (T 31-05-88 "Desert Rats") Written by David Angus
- Jonathan takes a chance to dig deeper in search of the missing paragraph,
and Paul prepares his speech. Chrissy is keen to see the model Growler claims
to have made.

The Magic Rabbits reappear in episodes 544 and 549, watched on television
by Gordon.

There is no cast list at all, or writer indicated, on the closing credits
of episodes 539 and 540, in which the normal closing image of the Close quickly
fades to the waving cast and crew, over which an alphabetical list of the
whole year's team is rolled, followed by the message "Brookside Wishes
You A Happy New Year".

Episode 561, excluding its final scene, was included on the video release
"Brookside: That Man Harry Cross", and episode 576, excluding its
final scene, was included on "Brookside: The Sheila Grant Years".

The storylines:

Tracy and Jamie take a trip to London, which at least temporarily reduces
the problem of overcrowding at number 10. Jonathan goes on holiday on Austria
with Terry to try to cheer himself up after Laura dies, and comes home to
problems at work. Frank has even more problems at work, as Chrissy's insistence
that he tries to better himself only leads to him facing a disciplinary hearing.
Ralph builds a model of the Close and, with Harry, becomes involved with the
running of the Commonwealth and Empire Club, and after various things have
driven them further and further apart, Bobby walks out on Sheila for good.
Paul is finding it increasingly hard to cope with Gordon's relationship with
Chris - even though they rescue Mona from a corrupt nursing home - and Annabelle
is becoming frustrated with his attitude. Will theirs, the last surviving
marriage of all the original residents of the Close, be the next one to run
into difficulties?

The dates:

It is winter in episode 543, in which Jonathan plans to go on holiday
at the end of March - which he does in episodes 563 to 566. It is mentioned
in episode 546 that Bobby will be appearing in court in "early February",
and he does in episode 551. In episode 559, Sheila recalls that it was Armistice
Day, when there was a bomb in Enniskillen, about a week before Damon died.
It is Sunday in episode 553, 1988 in episodes 558 and 562, and 22nd March
1988 in episode 564. In episode 570 it is Sunday again, and a year ago that
Bobby and Sheila were in Rome. In episode 573 Bobby receives a letter dated
23rd April 1988 from the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council, and in episode
583 the date of Betty's protest is the next Monday, 6th June. This protest
is seen taking place in episode 585.

Most of the action in this season is set in Liverpool. However, Jonathan,
Terry, Cheryl and Donna are seen in Austria in episodes 563 to 566; Rod and
Jamie are seen in London in episodes 567 and 568; Frank and Ann are seen in
London in episode 569, Frank is seen interviewed by a detective in London
in episode 570 (but only in interior scenes, probably not recorded in London);
and Brian and Annabelle are seen in Shrewsbury in episodes 584 to 586.

Births:

None. Sammy is 14 (539, 550), Mona has regained some of the years recently
lost to be "nearly 80" (562), Claire is 3 this week (542), and Gordon
was born at 4.30 am (544). Sheila was one year older than Debbie is now when
Barry was born (556), and Debbie, now 17 (557), is said to have lost the baby
she was expecting (559). Tracy is 17 (564, 565, 567) and nearly 18 (568 );
Barry is 28 in episode 566, in which it is Bobby's 51st birthday. He is clearly
only slightly older than Annabelle, as it is her 51st birthday in episode
577, which was yesterday in episode 578 and last week in episode 582. Claire
is still 3 in episode 574, Barry is still 28 in episode 582, in which it is
Rod's birthday, and Kevin's birthday next week.

Marriages:

None. Harry says he was married for 40 years (555); it is Billy's 22nd
wedding anniversary (570); and Bobby and Sheila have been married nearly 30
years (574).

Deaths:

Three. Nothing more can be done for Laura Gordon-Davies (nee Wright) following
her fall, and her life-support machine is turned off in episode 541; Councillor
Alec Redfearn passes away of old age, or possibly boredom, while Harry makes
a speech in episode 558; and Sizzler reveals to Barry in episode 586 that
he has had Ursula killed. Also mentioned, no longer alive, are the following:
Frank's father (540), who died when Frank was younger than Sammy is now (548
); Mr Thomas's dog, which was run over by a train (542); Bobby's mother (546);
Franky, Billy and Jimmy's brother, and their late father (553); the entertainment
and concert secretary, W.C. Miller (554, 555, 558 ), who died today (554)
/ last week (558 ); the conjuror's rabbit (561); Reggie, Betty's late husband,
who died almost a year ago (562); Cheryl's brother, who drowned (565); and
Paul's father, who died some time ago and for whom Annabelle had made the
funeral arrangements (582). Jimmy describes his father-in-law, Jackie's father,
as a "miserable auld get" who is loaded but ill (568 ) - he takes
a turn for the worse in episode 570, and dies in episode 571.

Toilet visits:

Frank - specifically for a "sit down job" (539); Harry (544);
Gordon, with help (once in 553, twice in 554 and once in 555); Jamie (559);
Kathy (560); Arthur (564); and Jeff (573). Jimmy nearly goes in episode 563,
but has to answer the telephone instead.

Characters mentioned, so far unseen, but who will be appearing later:

Jimmy's wife (Auntie) Jackie, who has thrown him out, but to whom he returns
(552, 554, 570, 571); Mrs Molly Harrison, who refused her pudding and was
taken away from Rosemount (562, 563, 580); Little Jimmy, Jimmy's son (571);
Sean, Kathy's 19 year old son (575, 576); Teddy (582, 583); and former "Miss
New Brighton" Penny Riozzi (586).

Gone but not forgotten - seen previously and still mentioned occasionally,
but not reappearing in this season:

At one point in episode 543, Paul pronounces "Sonia" as if it
rhymes with "begonia".

[With the benefit of hindsight, it is perhaps unfortunate that Sheila
tells Barry in episode 557 "You're Bobby Grant's son all right".]

At one point in episode 580, Sizzler says "No splits" WITHOUT
stuttering!! Also in this episode, it seems strange that, when speaking about
her brother, Betty calls him "Arthur Parkinson" rather than just
"Arthur".

Trivia:

Paul reads the "Radio Times" (556). The note left for him reads
"Harrison - 14A Temile Gardens" (563). Annabelle, who shops at Sainsbury's
(551), is right-handed (547). Her telephone number is 259 9921 (562). Brian's
business number is 259 9180 (549). After being married to Elsie for almost
19 years, he separated from her three years ago, they have since divorced,
and she has remarried (585).

According to Tracy, Rod now earns £10,000 pa (540). He reads the
"Daily Mirror" (554). Billy and Jimmy did a bunk when they were
15 and 16 (568 ). Jimmy has been seeing Kathy, who has brothers, and no sisters
(571), for five years (555); but he goes back to Jackie when her late father
leaves her a house worth £30,000 (575). Jamie has CSEs in English and
Geography (553).

The subscription to the Commonwealth and Empire Club is £6.00 pa
(542). After Ralph is disqualified, Harry receives 19 votes, Cyril John Clayton
receives one (his own!), there are four abstentions and three spoiled papers
(557). Sheila met Bobby when she was 15 and got a job in a shop. He was then
18 and working (572). He buys her a book at W.H. Smiths (557). He is right-handed
(560), and was at Barry's birth [albeit not at the conception!] (582). Matty
[who was!] has known him for 30 years (546). Damon was 20 when he died (578).

Jonathan is working on the Bradshaw takeover (579) and needs to prove
he redrafted a paragraph for the Rowley & Watkins contract (581, 582).
His phone number when working in London is 01-388-1039 (548 ). He visited
Salzburg with Laura a couple of years ago (563). It will be another two and
a half years until he has bought into the partnership (581). Terry was done
for speeding when he was 20 (545).

Chrissy works at Samuels Estate Agents (548). Three years ago, Frank had
no job and was a house-husband (545). He later spent a year down south seperated
from his family (573). He is scared of heights (550). Katie once fell in a
canal (547). Her pen-pal Teresa-Jane lives at 412 East 53rd Street, New York
10092, NY, and her telephone number is (0101) 212-644-3210 (545). The Rogers'
phone number is now 259 9643 (545). Mrs Pierce is right handed (552).

The end-of-season cliffhanger:

Paul rings the hotel in which Annabelle is staying while attending a magistrates'
conference in Shrewsbury, and asks to be put through to her room. The telephone
in room 17 is seen ringing, but there is no answer, because Annabelle is not
there - she has joined Brian in room 15.......